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Microwave Encryption
Microwave Encryption
Senetas Security
Whitepaper Microwave link encryption
June 2006
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CONFIDENTIAL
1. Overview
1.1. Microwave links
Microwave links are an established part of defence, corporate, education, health, finance and utility networks and are popular for their ability to be quickly and easily deployed over both short and long distances.
The maturity of radio frequency (RF) technology has permitted the use of microwave links as the major trunk channel for long distance communication. The use of microwave links has major advantages over cabling systems:
Freedom from land acquisition rights. Removes requirement for permanent access to cabling infrastructure for installation and repair. Ease of communication over difficult terrain. Removes the requirement to install difficult and expensive cabling
The use of microwave links however has some disadvantages that mainly arise from the use of free-space communication:
Bandwidth allocation is extremely limited. The competition for RF bandwidth from various competing users leads to very strict allocations of bandwidth.
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CONFIDENTIAL
Atmospheric effects. The use of free-space communication results in susceptibility to weather effects, particularly rain. Transmission path needs to be clear. Microwave communication requires line-of-sight, point-to-point communication. Interference. The microwave system is open to RF interference. Security Vulnerability to tapping
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CONFIDENTIAL
2M Encryptor
2M Encryptor
Microwave link
Microwave link
Microwave link
Microwave link
2M Encryptor
2M encryptor
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CONFIDENTIAL
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